Head of Business Development — Industry Partner Programs

Northeastern University is hiring a leader to build and run Industry Partner Programs for the Roux Institute and the Institute for Experiential AI. This role will set direction, lead a partner-focused sales organization, and maintain an active personal portfolio with clear revenue and portfolio impact goals. The position is based in Portland, ME with hybrid flexibility.

Role Overview

Own the strategy and execution for Industry Partner Programs, translating partner relationships into lasting institutional impact. Serve as both a team leader and a hands-on advisor and dealmaker, responsible for program direction, partner engagement, and performance outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and lead a high-performing, partner-obsessed sales organization by setting performance targets, building the funnel, defining sales motions, and owning engagement attribution.
• Establish strategic go-to-market direction, including product and service positioning, partner development priorities, messaging, and refinement of the ICP.
• Personally manage and grow a portfolio of strategic partner relationships, operating as a trusted advisor as well as a revenue-driving closer.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of B2B solution selling in advanced technology, ideally data or AI products and services.
• Proven experience building and scaling high-performing sales teams from the ground up.
• Track record of personally closing revenue-generating deals with sophisticated B2B buyers.
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, coach, and scale top sales and business development talent.
• Ability to build trust with partner stakeholders and internal alliances, including navigating politics within large, complex organizations.
• Comfort working with startup-level speed, ambiguity, and resourcefulness.
• Strong communication skills supported by data, dashboards, and forecasts.
• Fluency in budgeting, forecasting, and operational execution within a complex organization.
• Proficiency with modern sales tools, including Salesforce.
• Demonstrated history of hitting revenue targets in a B2B sales environment.
• Accountability for outcomes across personal performance and team-wide results.
• Curiosity is essential.
• Approach the work with confidence and capability, paired with humility and a learning mindset.

Technology

• Salesforce

Compensation and Position Details

• Salary range: USD 130,945 to 189,868 per year (expected hiring range: $130,945.00 - $189,868.75).
• Compensation grade/pay type: 114S
• Position type: General Administration
• Minimum experience: 10 years

Location and Work Arrangement

• Preferred location: Portland, Maine
• Other Northeastern campus locations will be considered.
• This is a mostly in-person role with some flexibility to work remotely.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental
• Paid time off
• Tuition assistance
• Wellness & life
• Retirement
• Commuting & transportation

Equal Opportunity and Offer Considerations

Northeastern University considers candidate work experience, education, and skills when extending an offer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.